RYA Cymru Wales blog – June 2024
It’s not long now until the British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships!
We’re looking forward to some good racing at Dale and it’s been pleasing to see lots of entries coming in. If you haven’t already signed up, the deadline is fast approaching.
Entries close this Friday 14 June 2024 and for those wanting to be considered for Welsh squads, it’s a must-do indicator event.
Although we may extend the entry deadline in Wales, given that it’s been exam season, please do enter now for the Regional Junior Championships for Wales, or share this reminder with the Y&J section and parents at your club.
The intention is to have one day of standard championship fleet racing and depending on the conditions and resources, a day with some different formats and courses.
This approach was tested out at the Eric Twiname Junior Championships earlier this year and it enables us to run multiple shorter and more intense races, giving all sailors maximum opportunity to be competitive, develop their skills and shine.
Entries are invited for the Championship fleet in the key pathway classes: Optimist, Topper 4.2 & 5.3, RS Tera Sport & Pro, RS Feva, ILCA 4/6/7, Bic Techno windsurfer 4.5 / 5.8 rig, 420 and 29er.
As ever there will also be a coached regatta fleet, with on-water support and briefings ashore. So, there’s something for everyone, it’s a beautiful location and the weather should be pretty good by then – come along and get involved!
Fun & foiling
We have some sociable activities lined up for after-sailing on the Saturday too.
A big thank you in advance to the WAZP UK class, who will be bringing along a boat for sailors to have a go at foiling. Time and weather dependent we’ll also have a beach clean and some giant SUP racing. And just up the road at the Coronation Hall community centre in Dale there will be a curry available to pre-order.
Could you help to make this a memorable championship for our aspiring sailors? If you’re there with your sailor, it’s fun to lend a hand and we’d be grateful for any support you’re able to give – if you could let us know in advance via our volunteer sign up that would be much appreciated.
Quick links at a glance:
- Enter now for the BYS Wales Regional Junior Championship
- Find out more about Welsh squads and selection
- Pre-order the Saturday evening curry
- Volunteer! Please help to support this event
Dragon Series
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We’ve had some great turnouts and racing so far at this year’s youth and junior Dragon Series events with lots of participants and a good time had by all.
I’ve been to two of the events in the south at Llandegfedd and Tata Steel sailing clubs, which had attendances of around 20 and 30 sailors respectively.
It was great to see everyone at both clubs and particularly those who had travelled to take part, which following a dip in numbers post-pandemic was really heartening.
We’re on course for a fantastic Dragon Series and remember if you attend two or more events you can claim a free T-shirt! The remaining events in the Series are:
- Port Dinorwic SC (North) – Sunday 16th June
- Fishguard Bay (West) – 27 July
- Dale (West) – 11 August
- Cardiff Bay (South) – 17 August
- Llyn Brenig (North) – 24 August
Find out more about the Dragon Series 2024 and sign up for each date via the RYA Events hub.
Save the dates
Looking further ahead, we have more championship racing for youth and junior sailors in September, and our two annual OnBoard festivals for new sailors and aspiring racers (sailors and windsurfers.
Look out for booking opening through the season. In the meantime, here are the key dates for you to add to the calendar:
- 21-22 September 2024: Welsh Youth & Junior Championships at Pwllheli
- 31 August-1 September: South & West Wales OnBoard Festival at Dale
- 31 August 2024: North Wales OnBoard Festival at Bala
Remember you can keep up to date with all the latest news and announcements from RYA Cymru Wales by following our social media on Facebook, X and Instagram. I look forward to seeing you out and about and at our packed summer of events!
Sam Thomas
Events Officer, RYA Cymru Wales
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Pictures: (above & middle) Dragon Series 2024 at Tata Steel SC; (top) Regional Junior Championships Wales 2023.